The Best Museums & Galleries in Scottsdale, Arizona

Locally known as SMoCA, this Scottsdale museum is a small exploration of modern art, architecture, and design. Take a free, and informative, guided tour to discover the current exhibitions and installations on site. Being a contemporary space, much of the work is revolutionary and created in unusual and spectacular ways. The museum features the Turrell Skyspace, a naked eye observatory located on an extinct volcanic crater. The outdoor Skyspace is available for event rental, as is the SMoCA lounge. SMoCA hosts a number of events throughout the year, including quarter-annual exhibits solely to professionally display the work of young, student artists. Be on the lookout for other special events, as well as educational opportunities.

Specializing in contemporary and western art, the Wilde Meyer Gallery displays paintings and sculptures from a variety of talented, local artists. The gallery hosts numerous events throughout the year to showcase current work and offers other services as well, including framing, art installations, and custom, commissioned pieces. No matter what you’re searching for, Wilde Meyer has fine, original pieces that will be perfect for your home, office, or as a gift to a loved one. Watch out for multiple locations throughout the Arizona area.

Located ‘on the edge’ of Old Town Scottsdale, this unique gallery displays work from nearly 50 different Arizona artists. The featured works vary in size and medium, including wall-sized paintings and small, handcrafted, one of a kind gifts. On the Edge hosts events frequently, including participation in the weekly neighborhood ArtWalk, holiday celebrations, and special showcases. The gallery also offers workshops where people can learn about, and create, their own pieces, such as paintings, ornaments, and mosaics. If you enjoy On the Edge, check out their sister gallery Fountain Hills Artists.

Celebrate the history and spirit of the West when you visit this Scottsdale Museum. Colloquially known as Western Spirit, this museum explores the arts and culture of the west. With everything from cowboys and Indians to Lewis and Clark, a visit will leave you informed and in awe of the great history in Arizona’s past. Walk around the facility to discover murals and paintings currently exhibited, or take a moment to reflect in the quiet, outdoor sculpture garden. Western Spirit also includes lively storytelling, performances, and demonstrations that allow visitors to complete immerse themselves in the culture of the frontier. Watch out for films and live performances in the theatre, as well as other educational events available for students and family.
Xanadu Gallery | ©Experience Scottsdale/Flickr

Xanadu Gallery is a place where collectors, designers, and art enthusiasts can come together. The space showcases a diverse range of art, including paintings, sculpture, collage, murals, photography, print, drawings, and conceptual art. There is also glass art, metal wall pieces, jewelry, textiles, furniture, media, and more. Xanadu strives to connect the community to each other, as well as to art. Be sure to attend a few of their special events.